Download Infection control standards and precautions for

Infection control standards and precautions for Assisted Living Facilities.
Infection control is one of the most frequently cited standards in a survey
Examples:
•Improper hand washing and gloving techniques.
•Hand sanitizer use or non-use.
•Lack of cleaning glucometer between uses.
•Not wearing gloves when using glucometer.
•Not washing hands between apartments.
•Failing to follow universal precautions.
Universal/Standard Precautions
Hand Hygiene:
o Follow the CDC Guidelines
o When hands are visibly dirty, contaminated, or soiled, wash hands with non-antimicrobial or
antimicrobial soap and water.
o If hands are not visibly soiled, use an alcohol-based handrub for routinely decontaminating hands.
When to Wash Hands:
After caring for personal needs
Before and after each patient contact
Before eating, drinking, handling food
Following contact with a contaminated
object
Upon return from public places
After handling waste materials, secretions,
drainage or blood
Before and after shift
Before and after touching wounds
Before and wearing gloves
Anytime you think you may have had contact
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
o Know what PPE to wear depends on what your potential exposure is: contact, splashing or
airborne.
•Gloves for contact with blood, bodily fluids or other potentially infectious materials
o Recommended times to wear gloves
 Doing mouth care, suctioning
 Bowel routine, enemas
 Empty drainage receptacles
 Changing linens
 Handling specimens
 Wound care
*Goggles anytime there is potential for splashing in eyes
Cleaning versus Disinfecting
o
o
o
o
Asepsis: Refers to the absence of pathogens.
Aseptic: Refers to techniques to prevent contact with pathogens.
Disinfection: Kills or retards the growth of germs.
Sterilization: Process that kills all microorganisms.
Equipment and Supplies
Use disposable when possible
When cleaning/disinfecting equipment, supplies, etc
*Read manufacture cleaning recommendations
*Read facility policy and procedures
•Solutions to disinfect:
–Bleach 1:10
–70% isopropyl alcohol
–3% hydrogen peroxide
–Some commercial products (Read Labels)
•Bleach is an all purpose disinfectant but it can corrode metal.
Employees Screening and Education Requirements
o Screen employees for communicable diseases, including TB
o Initial Infection Control Education
o Annual Infection Control Training